Local charity has more needy children than gifts to go around at annual Christmas Party

Nations Association Charities experiencing a shortfall in number of gifts for some 2,000 of Lee County’s poorest children

December 11, 2012

Nations Association Charities is proceeding with its plans for its annual Christmas toy giveaway in Fort Myers and Cape Coral for nearly 2,000 children from economically disadvantaged families.

But the well-known charity fears there may not be enough presents to go around.

Susan Perez, the non-profit's chief of operations, said that there is still a need for several hundred gifts for girls and boys between the ages of 9 and 12.

"The need is just about split right down the middle 50 % for girls; and 50 % for boys," said Perez in a prepared statement.

At its 25th annual Christmas Party on Saturday, Dec. 15, at the Araba Shrine Temple, 2010 Hanson Street in Fort Myers, Nations is expected to distribute the majority of toys to boys and girls up to the age of 16. The party will start at 10 a.m. and goes until 3 p.m.

Two days before the Christmas party at the Araba Shrine on Thursday, Dec. 13 - the first toy giveaway takes place in Cape Coral at La Venezia Ballroom, at 4646 SE 10th Place. Toys will be distributed from 6 to 8 p.m.

La Venezia began offering its location as a food and toy distribution center to Nations last year, and is actively involved throughout the year in helping the charity with a number of fundraising events and social activities to enhance the lives of the people the charity serves.

The Christmas party, toy collection and gift-wrapping are the culmination of several months of preparation with various groups and organizations.

The public can help bring some Christmas cheer into the lives of the area's most impoverished children and teens by dropping off toys,non-perishable food items, and books at Nations Association's office at 4625 Palm Beach Boulevard in East Fort Myers.

In addition to Nations, these items can also be dropped off, by category, at the following venues:

Since opening its doors in 1978, Nations has been providing for the immediate needs for Lee County's most impoverished and disadvantaged families and individuals, while equipping them with the tools and skills for getting on the road to self-sufficiency.